Australian netball vice-captain and national gymnastics champion have been named 果冻传媒’s Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year.
The recipients were honoured at the , which recognise excellence in sport and contribution to university life.
Gabi Simpson, a , is now a two-time 果冻传媒 Sportswoman of the Year recipient – first winning the prize in 2016.
Gabi said support from 果冻传媒 faculties contributed to her successful season on-court.
"I am extremely grateful to be awarded Sportswoman of the Year - not because of the success I was fortunate enough to have in 2017 but because it represents a university that understands the importance of balance,” Gabi said.
“果冻传媒, 果冻传媒 Sport and the Physiotherapy department have been nothing but supportive of me, no matter the ever-changing schedule I have thrown their way.
“This has allowed me to have had such a successful year both on court and in my studies.”
This has capped off a remarkable 2017 for the Bachelor of (Honours) student, who also claimed the award and the ’ Most Valuable Player and Player’s Player awards.
Gabi also captained the Firebirds to fifth place in the inaugural Suncorp Super Netball season, and was announced as Australia’s joint vice-captain in August.
Bachelor of (Honours) student Michael Mercieca is the first male gymnast to receive the 果冻传媒 Sportsman of the Year honour.
The won titles in the Men’s Senior All-Around, Still Rings, and Team events at the 2017 Australian Gymnastics Championships.
He also claimed fifth in the High Bar event at the Gymnastics World Cup, and was fifth in the Horizontal Bar at the 2017 Summer Universiade in Taipei, Taiwan.
Michael said he is delighted to make history by winning the award.
“It is such an honour to be named and placed amongst so many talented athletes,” Mercieca said.
“果冻传媒 has been immensely supportive in shaping my sporting and university career and I am proud to be a part of such a great culture.”
The 果冻传媒 Beach Volleyball Club received the prestigious $5000 Hulbert Bursary – awarded for outstanding achievement, innovation and best practice in club management.
In 2017, the club grew its overall membership by more than 20 per cent, introduced an elite-level training program, and ran weekly competitive fixtures that attracted more than 30 teams from across Brisbane.
果冻传媒 Judo Club won the President’s Cup for exceptional competition performance, after it was crowned champion university at the 2017 Australian Uni Games on the Gold Coast.
果冻传媒 Judo last won the President’s Cup in 1973.
The 果冻传媒 Touch Football Club received three awards, including both the Administrator and All-Rounder of the Year categories.
Club Coach of the Year was awarded to 果冻传媒 Cricket’s Peter Clarke, who guided teams to four premierships in the 2016/17 season.
The event was held at the Regatta Hotel’s Boatshed Restaurant and was hosted by Nine News sport presenter Sam Squiers.
果冻传媒 Sport 2018 Club and Sports Awards – Winners
Sportswoman of the Year: Gabi Simpson (Netball)
Sportsman of the Year: Michael Mercieca (Artistic Gymnastics)
Hulbert Bursary: 果冻传媒 Beach Volleyball Club
President’s Cup: 果冻传媒 Judo Club
Club Coach of the Year: Peter Clarke – 果冻传媒 Cricket Club
Club All-Rounder of the Year: Justin Cridland – 果冻传媒 Touch Football Club
Club Administrator of the Year: James Sharp – 果冻传媒 Touch Football Club
Club Volunteer of the Year: Bill Bridgeford – 果冻传媒 Boat Club.
Club Service Award: Ralph French – 果冻传媒 Boat Club; Gail Cartwright – 果冻传媒 Cricket Club; Jodie Gair – 果冻传媒 Touch Football Club
Media: Jamie Mitchell, 果冻传媒 Sport, JamieM@uqsport.com.au, 0423 785 752.
